Rafael Nadal ‘very sad’ for Novak Djokovic but steeled for tilt at fifth US Open title and 23rd slam

New title favourites Daniil Medvedev and Rafael Nadal have expressed their sadness and disappointment at Novak Djokovic’s absence from the US Open. But Nadal says the show will always go on with or without the sport’s biggest stars.

Djokovic is sitting out his second grand slam of the season because of his ongoing refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19. His decision not to follow the example of more than 95 per cent of his peers on tour leaves the Serb trailing Nadal, with 22 majors, by one grand slam crown in the men’s all-time title race.

Fellow grand slam glutton Roger Federer, with 20 titles to his name, is also missing the 2022 Open. However the Swiss legend’s recovery from another round of knee surgery has him on track for a comeback representing Team Europe at the Laver Cup exhibition event on September 23.

Nadal’s steely focus though is on winning a fifth US Open title. While politely offering his condolences for Djovokic’s latest lost opportunity, the Spaniard reminded the reigning Wimbledon champion he wasn’t the only player to ever miss a big tournament.

“I repeat what I said plenty of times: the sport in some ways is bigger than any player,” Nadal said. “I missed a lot of important events in my tennis career because of injuries, without a doubt. Last year I was not here. Two years ago I was not here. The tournament continues.”

Nadal is back in the Big Apple for the first time in three years, having chosen not to travel in 2020 and then missing the 2021 tournament with a foot problem. At the age of 36, Nadal knows his own opportunities to add to his grand slam tally are dwindling but he remains philisophical.

“The world of tennis (will) keep going, even if it is not good news for everyone,” Nadal shrugged.